Ok guys and gals, I'd like some feedback here.
I'm a pretty seasoned skater. almost 30 years on skates.
I did aggressive for most of that and I'm getting out of it, mostly into distance skating these days.

I do anywhere from 10-30 miles a week and I've had the pleasure of taking some high speed spills due to the fact I skate on goofy trails and roads...

So, after my last digger I'm thinking about investing in some knee pads.
What do you guys do? It seems most speed guys don't wear them? It is just because there aren't any good ones out there?

But man... it sure sucks to skate 15 miles home when you just jacked up your knee and are dripping blood everywhere. haha.

The trails I skate on sometimes have debris on them, or wet spots, or slippery wooden bridges, not to mention bicyclists, pedestrians, and dog walkers. Protection is paramount. Anyone who thinks they don't need pads because they can handle whatever is probably underestimating what life can throw their way. When you get out on your skates, you have to accept that you don't control everything in the environment. Control what you can - your own behaviour. Which includes gearing up.

For the record, I have no problem with speed skaters in a rink (which I do consider to be as close to a controlled environment as you can get) going without pads (I still think a helmet is a good idea). Trail skating is a whole 'nother thing.

At what point is the trail so bad that "you" get on a bicycle and also get an excellent workout, with no gomer activity (gomer's go to ground)
or
Why not find a good spot to skate, and get a road bike to go to the "bad trails"

Ok guys and gals, I'd like some feedback here.
I'm a pretty seasoned skater. almost 30 years on skates.
I did aggressive for most of that and I'm getting out of it, mostly into distance skating these days.

I do anywhere from 10-30 miles a week and I've had the pleasure of taking some high speed spills due to the fact I skate on goofy trails and roads...

So, after my last digger I'm thinking about investing in some knee pads.
What do you guys do? It seems most speed guys don't wear them? It is just because there aren't any good ones out there?

But man... it sure sucks to skate 15 miles home when you just jacked up your knee and are dripping blood everywhere. haha.

They stay on reasonably well in a crash and do not restrict movement. They are, however, a bit hot and bulky. Based on how warm they felt in winter, I thought they would be unbearable in summer. However, they seem to be OK.

Lizard Skins Softshell knee pads are lighter, less bulky, and even less restrictive. Unfortunately, they are not very durable and they are out of manufacture. I am reserving the remaining life of my last pair for racing. The 187's are quite durable and easily replaced.

Last edited by ese002; August 11th, 2016 at 07:48 PM.
Reason: grammer cleanup